Gaza Ceasefire: Hamas releases 4 Israeli female soldiers

Four Israeli female soldiers, taken during Hamas's October 2023 attack that sparked the war in Gaza, have been freed in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners. This was part of a ceasefire deal that also included a second release of prisoners. The four soldiers were paraded before a crowd of thousands in Gaza City and handed over to the Red Cross before returning to Israel. In return, Israel released 200 Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of deadly attacks against Israelis. Some prisoners were expelled to Egypt, while others might go to countries like Algeria, Tunisia, and Turkey.

The exchange took place amid a fragile ceasefire, which has brought a temporary halt to airstrikes and rockets, allowing humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza. However, tensions remain as Israel insists on the release of a civilian hostage, Arbel Yahoud, before allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.

The four released Israeli soldiers—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag—were part of a group captured at Nahal Oz base, where more than 60 soldiers were killed in the Hamas attack. While the soldiers were visibly smiling and waving, some hostages had previously reported brutal conditions and propaganda video recordings during captivity. The release is part of a series of planned exchanges that are expected to continue in the coming weeks.

The ceasefire, which began last weekend, aims to reduce the devastation of the war that has left many displaced and facing hunger. The next hostage release is scheduled for next Saturday, with hopes that the process will contribute to ending the ongoing conflict.